By Brooke Reynolds
HMS Sports Writer
It was a beautiful day on Wednesday, March 1 when the Hayesville Middle School baseball team opened their season against the Andrews Wildcats. This HMS team is and is looking to build a team that will dominate the conference. This year’s HMS team is composed of seven sixth graders, five seventh graders and only two eighth graders. With a solid foundation like this, Hayesville baseball should be exciting to watch in the years to come.
As for the game on Wednesday, the bottom of the lineup helped the Jackets capture the 10-5 win over the Wildcats. Brady Gerdes and Tucker Moore combined for five of the team’s 10 hits. They scored two runs and drove in three. Hayesville got on the board in the bottom of the fourth thanks to two singles, one of which was by Moore that drove in the first run. Andrews came back strong when they pulled ahead in the top of the sixth scoring
five runs on three hits to take the 5-4 lead. The Jackets didn't let that get them down as they battled back in the bottom of the sixth scoring six runs on four hits to take the10-5 lead and solidify the win.
Matthew Peck started on the mound for HMS only allowing 2 hits with zero runs through five innings. Peck also struck out eight and only walked two. Jack Bethel relieved Peck in the top of the sixth facing six batters, Caden McClure came in after Bethel for an inning and a half as a reliever and did not allow a run.
Moore went 2 for 4 at the plate and Gerdes led the team with three hits on four at bats. McClure, Peck and Bethel led the team by getting on base with two walks each. Not only was the Jackets offense strong, but the defense put on a show and turned the first double play of the season.
Coach Zach Moss had encouraging words about his team. “ I am really excited that we were able to get the first game under our belt," he said. "The guys played well defensively and we had a few timely hits. This group works hard and is a fun team to coach.”
HMS and the community are excited to continue to support and watch this year's team as they continue to compete and grow.
The next games are as follows: HMS at Andrews April 15; HMS at Swain April 19 and HMS vs. Swain April 21. All games begin at 4 p.m.